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Oct 19, 2017

The New Zealand Defence
Force (NZDF) is entering an
agreement to buy two new
weapons, the Barrett M107A1
anti-materiel weapon and the
Barrett Multi Role Adaptive
Design (MRAD) sniper rifle.

Forty M107A1 and 42 MRAD
weapons will be bought, at a
cost of NZ$4 million. This cost
includes day optics,
suppressors and ballistic
computer auxiliary equipment
to complement a total weapon
system.

The 0.50-calibre semiautomatic
M107A1 anti-materiel
rifle provides a new capability,
giving soldiers the ability to
identify and engage effectively vehicle or installation targets with precision to 1500m.

The Barrett MRAD .338 Lapua Magnum has been proven effective to 1500m. It replaces the current AW
7.62mm calibre sniper rifle, effective to 800m, which has reached the end of its service life.

This new weapon will increase significantly the range of NZDF snipers, and with the innovation of new
tripods will increase their ability to shoot in various positions, from prone to standing.

Both weapons will be used by infantry units within the New Zealand Army and the New Zealand SAS,
and will be introduced into service from mid-2018.

Chief of Army Major General Peter Kelly said the new weapons would provide soldiers with the latest
technology and ensure they would be equipped for any battlefield environment they might encounter.

The new weapons were chosen after rigorous testing and feedback from qualified operators. The MRAD
was selected after six weeks of testing of a number of potential rifles at Waiouru, with more than 10,000
rounds fired in a variety of evaluation activities.

The M107A1 was adopted after a sole-source procurement approach following detailed market research
and engagement with industry, as well as with ABCA partners on a suitable anti-materiel weapon
solution that meets users’ needs.